Ville Platte residents push for criminal charges against law enforcement

Ville Platte residents push for criminal charges against law enforcement

VILLE PLATTE, La. -

The Department of Justice held a public meeting in Ville Platte this evening where they gave residents the opportunity to discuss what kind of changes they would like for their criminal justice system.

This meeting was part of a reform process the DOJ started when a report in December showed members of the Ville Platte Police Department and the Evangeline Parish Sheriff's Office violated constitutional rights.

These violations included arresting and holding citizens without probable cause.

Since the launch of the investigation, two precautionary measures have been put in place for residents.

All complaints about officers must be submitted to the mayor's office and new body cameras are being ordered for the agencies.

Some residents believe the changes aren't enough and say criminal charges should be filed against both the police department and sheriff's office.